4 September 2017

The first school in the city of Newport for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has opened its doors thanks to support from volunteers from Newport Norse.

Ysgol Bryn Derw opened for the new term on Monday September 4 providing 48 school places for pupils aged between three and 19 years with specialist provision and structured teaching.

The school will provide the highest possible standards of education and support for all its pupils regardless of their level of educational need.

In the countdown to opening day, the new school got a boost from Newport Norse staff keen to help out under the company’s volunteering policy – part of the company’s Norse Way corporate social responsibility initiative.

Knowing there was a considerable amount of work to do before it opened, staff at Newport Norse rallied round to offer their time and did everything they could to help out from washing new crockery, sorting books and resources to putting together desks.

The school has been developed on the site of the former Gaer Infant School which became vacant, with significant refurbishment taking place.

Acting Head, Richard Drew, said:

It’s been great to have so many willing hands to help and it’s made a massive difference. We have had helpers putting together desks and putting up notice boards.

The help we’ve had with all the little things like unpacking boxes, sorting inventory, distributing books and even getting rid of unwanted cardboard and vacuuming, has been greatly appreciated and it’s made a big difference. Thank you very much Newport Norse.